Information Systems Management Consultant

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Take advantage of free initial consultations, the insight an experienced provider can give you about your situation will help you evaluate your choices more effectively.

As a business leader its important to do your own research, but don't make the mistake of neglecting the advice of an experienced specialist.

Also, it's important to let your provider know about all your pains and ills -- not just what may be instigating an initial contact.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Many of my clients concentrate too much on the products themselves. Human resources are an important part of the equation, as are how all the products fit together into a system over time. Make sure you have a strategic plan which will serve you for a few years. A lot of money can be wasted without enough forward thinking.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. Make sure to ask about past successes relevant to your situation.

Don't mistake an experienced out of work IT employee with an experienced consultant -- ask about employment history.

Make sure to get a clear understanding of how your service provider is going to approach your project from beginning to end. Do they have established project management practices?

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Think about how you currently utilize information systems and technology. Think pie in the sky thoughts about where you want to be. Your consultant will help you initiate a strategic plan which aligns your goals with resource constraints over time.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I have an innate ability to work with machines and systems, though I'm really a people person. I enjoy helping people get the most out of technology to further their own goals.